U.S. Armed Forces Capabilities in Arctic Region Pose National Security Risks, Need Strengthening

America must strengthen its capability to guard its Arctic pursuits because the area turns into a extra energetic safety surroundings, based on a brand new RAND report. Key areas for enchancment embrace communications, infrastructure, coaching, tools, ways, and the flexibility to scale presence.

“Past strategic competitors and considerations about the potential of a NATO-Russia conflict, the armed forces of the USA—notably the U.S. Coast Guard—take care of security, nationwide safety, legislation enforcement, authorized, and environmental points within the area,” stated lead creator Abbie Tingstad, a senior researcher at RAND.

Failing to handle these army wants might hurt U.S. Arctic pursuits, contributing to Russian domination of the Arctic and elevated Chinese language affect within the space, the report finds. Continued low capability could lead to a notion of a safety vacuum, which Russia and China might exploit. Functionality deficits would restrict U.S talents to function with and depend on allied companions and curtail the Coast Guard’s capability to guard the area’s peoples.

Researchers suggest quicker implementation of the Arctic methods not solely of the Coast Guard however of the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety (DHS), the Division of Protection (DoD), and different army providers. This might embrace common updates of technique paperwork, formalizing actions, and collaborations, advocating for a stronger emphasis on the Arctic area in nationwide methods and plans, and persevering with to determine liaisons with different U.S. authorities and foreign-partner groups.

Additionally they suggest extra funding for precedence wants of the Coast Guard and DHS, corresponding to icebreaking vessels and logistical hubs. America might additionally search alternatives to learn from business investments in innovation. Analysis collaboration between the DHS, DoD organizations, and educational establishments might be strengthened. Increasing workouts, operations, and information-sharing with worldwide companions might additionally strengthen U.S. capability and capabilities.

The report is the results of a requirement of the Nationwide Protection Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 12 months 2021 for a report on the Arctic capabilities of the U.S. armed forces.